Mumbai Indians (MI) legspinner Karn Sharma, who played a key role in his side’s 12-run win on Sunday, feels that while there was no one turning point in the game, Karun Nair’s wicket broke Delhi Capitals’ (DC) momentum.Batting first, MI set a stiff target of 206, but DC seemed to be cruising in their chase. They were 113 for 1 after ten overs, a returning Nair leading the charge with an explosive half-century.Karn had gone for nine in his first over. But he got rid of Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs and KL Rahul in his next three overs to finish with 3 for 36. In between, Mitchell Santner bowled Nair for 89 with a near-unplayable delivery.Related
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“At that time, the situation was like they were going 10-11 runs per over,” Karn said after the game. “So my role was just to take wickets in the middle overs, and the way they were batting, every wicket was important.”Obviously, KL Rahul is a big name and he had finished the game for them in the last match. But all the wickets were important for us at that time. After Karun got out, their momentum broke. And after that, we got two-three wickets quickly. That changed the game.”MI also benefitted from the new rule in the IPL. When dew set in during the second innings, they got the ball changed after the 13th over. It was with the changed ball that Karn dismissed Stubbs and Rahul.1:17
Chawla: A lot of credit goes to Karn
“I have played a lot in Delhi, so I know how the ball will behave on this wicket,” Karn said. “But we didn’t expect dew because there was no dew in the first innings.”When you get the ball replaced, the new ball has an upright seam, so it gives you purchase from the wicket. That helped us.”Karn, who was playing his first game of the season, had come in as Impact Player during the second innings. Left-arm seamer Ashwani Kumar was another option for MI but Piyush Chawla, former India legspinner, felt MI went with Karn after seeing DC spinners getting help from the pitch.”They [MI] were waiting because they must be thinking whether to go with Ashwani or with Karn,” Chawla said on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut. “But I am sure they must have made up their mind looking at the first innings, the way Kuldeep [Yadav] and Vipraj [Nigam] bowled.””You have to give a lot of credit to Karn because it’s not easy when you come to a team after six-seven [five] games and then all of a sudden you get a chance in this kind of situation where the other team is going berserk.”
Marizanne Kapp is also among the group, underlining her commitment to continue playing international cricket
Firdose Moonda17-Mar-2025
Annerie Dercksen was named the ICC’s Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024•ICC via Getty Images
Allrounder Annerie Dercksen, who was named the ICC’s Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year for 2024, has earned her first national contract for South Africa. Dercksen was named on a 15-player list for the 2025-26 season which excludes Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker from last year’s group.Goodall and Tucker have been on the fringes of the first-choice squad while Dercksen has established herself across all formats and appears regularly, leading to her promotion.The rest of the contracted squad includes familiar and experienced names including captain Laura Wolvaardt, former captain Sune Luus, allrounders Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk, senior batter and seamer Anneke Bosch and Ayabonga Khaka and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.Significantly for South Africa, Marizanne Kapp is also among the group, underlining her commitment to continue playing international cricket after being talked out of retirement early last year. She is understood to be considering this year’s ODI World Cup as a swansong but with the next T20 World Cup 15 months away, may also be eyeing that tournament as well.There are no new names among the squad, which demonstrates the consistency in South African selection but could point to concerns about the next generation coming through. Under-19 wicketkeeper batter, Karabo Meso, for example, who has already been capped at senior level was not considered for a national contract despite being named batter and player of the recently completed SA20 Schools competition. However, South Africa’s director of cricket Enoch Nkwe is pleased with the continued development of the current players and sought to reward them for that.”The continuity in the squad recognises the team’s outstanding achievement in reaching a second consecutive World Cup final, highlighting CSA’s commitment to rewarding consistent performance and building on the team’s recent success on the global stage,” he said, in a statement. “As we prepare for a pivotal year with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, this squad offers the right balance of experience and youthful energy. We believe this group is well-equipped to compete at the highest level and continue making the country proud.”South Africa have been on an extended break since December, when they hosted England at home and won only one of the seven matches across all formats. They head to Sri Lanka in April for a tri-series which also includes India in preparation for the ODI World Cup, and will also play a series in West Indies for three ODIs and three T20Is in June before the tournament.South Africa contracted squad: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon, Laura Wolvaardt
Everton’s return to Premier League action has been marked by cautious optimism.
The move to their new home at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was christened with a 2-0 victory over Brighton, where Jack Grealish, freshly arrived from Manchester City, stole the show with two assists.
David Moyes’ side followed that up with another professional 2-0 win in the EFL Cup against Mansfield Town, hinting at early momentum, before seeing off Wolverhampton Wanderers in Saturday’s 3-2 victory.
But the season’s opening-day loss at Elland Road offered a reminder of the challenges ahead.
The squad remains in transition, with several high-profile departures, including Abdoulaye Doucouré, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Ashley Young.
For Moyes, who guided West Ham to European silverware before returning to Merseyside, the task is clear: moulding this group into a side capable of competing in the top half of the table.
Alongside Grealish, the Toffees have added Villarreal forward Thierno Barry, Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Southampton prospect Tyler Dibling.
These signings inject fresh energy, but Everton’s attack still partly hinges on Beto, whose output has typically fallen short of expectations – albeit while having netted on Saturday against the Old Gold.
That quest for greater firepower has led Everton to monitor options across Europe.
Scouts have been busy in recent weeks, and one name in particular has begun to stand out.
Everton's search for a striker
According to Africa Foot, Everton are one of several Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Franculino Dju, the FC Midtjylland forward enjoying a breakout season in Denmark.
The 21-year-old has exploded into form with nine goals and two assists in his first ten appearances of the 2025/26 campaign, with Nottingham Forest now particularly interested, alongside both West Ham United and Spurs.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to describe the youngster as “unstoppable” after a blistering run of six goals and two assists across just three games.
Interest is not limited to England. Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, as well as Serie A outfit Fiorentina, are all tracking the Guinea-Bissau-born striker.
The report suggests it would take a fee closer to €20m (£17m) to convince Midtjylland to part ways with their starlet.
Everton were credited with interest earlier this month after sending scouts to Denmark to watch him in person.
With Beto struggling to deliver consistently, Moyes and his recruitment staff are eager to add more potency in the final third.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Dju, who joined Midtjylland from Benfica in 2023, represents exactly the kind of profile they have been missing: young, dynamic, and brimming with confidence in front of goal.
How Franculino Dju compares to Beto
The comparisons between Everton’s current lead striker and their latest target are telling.
Beto, now 27, has plenty of physical presence at 1.94m and rarely misses games through injury, but his Premier League numbers underline his limitations, having scored just 12 goals in 63 appearances.
Beto – Stats 2024/25
Matches Played
30
Goals
8
Progressive Carries
15
Progressive Passes
16
Shot Creating Actions
26
Source: FBref
Data from FBref shows him ranking in the 74th percentile for total shots per 90 (2.87) and the 97th percentile for aerial duels won (5.81 per 90), underlining his role as a traditional target man.
Yet despite his strength in the air and reliability in build-up, his finishing remains inconsistent. Dju offers a very different profile.
At 1.86m he has the physical attributes to compete in the Premier League, but crucially, he combines this with greater mobility and sharper instincts in front of goal.
Last season, he managed 11 goals and three assists in 28 league appearances – steady numbers for a player adapting to senior football.
This term, however, his output has surged: nine goals and two assists in just 11 matches, placing him among the most clinical forwards in the Superligaen.
Statistical comparisons between the two highlight why Everton may view the 21-year-old as an upgrade. Dju averages 3.32 shots per 90 compared to Beto’s 2.87, while his 1.50 shots on target per 90 also edge the Portuguese forward’s 1.35.
In terms of goal involvements, the contrast is even sharper: Dju contributed to 22 last season in all competitions, ahead of Beto’s return of 13.
These numbers underline his ability not just to get chances but to convert them into tangible results.
Beyond the metrics, there is also the question of trajectory. Beto, though still in his prime years, has plateaued since arriving in England.
Dju, meanwhile, is on an upward curve, attracting attention from clubs operating at the top end of European competition.
For Everton, securing him now would not only provide an immediate injection of goals but also represent a longer-term investment in a player whose value could soar further.
There is also a stylistic element to consider.
Moyes’ teams traditionally thrive with a hard-working forward capable of stretching defences, linking play, and applying relentless pressure.
Dju’s performances in Denmark suggest he has the energy and work rate to fulfil that role.
His background at Benfica, renowned for producing technically gifted attackers, means he also brings a level of composure and ball control that could help Everton build more fluid attacking movements.
Of course, competition for his signature will be fierce.
Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund, in particular, offer the allure of Champions League football, while Fiorentina and Stuttgart can point to their track records of developing young forwards.
Everton, however, have one advantage: the promise of regular Premier League minutes under a manager with a proven history of trusting players he believes in.
For a Toffees side eager to move on from their over-reliance on Beto, the appeal is obvious.
Franculino Dju may not yet be a household name, but his numbers, profile, and potential all point in the same direction.
If Everton can get a deal over the line, they may just have found the forward capable of unlocking a new chapter at their state-of-the-art new home.
Moyes' new Fellaini: Everton ready to bid for "on fire" £19m star
Everton are ready to make an offer for their next summer signing, in the mould of Marouane Fellaini
Fabrizio Romano has shared an intriguing transfer update, and one which could open the door for Arsenal to make another signing before the deadline.
Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have already enjoyed a fantastic summer window, spending north of £200 million on an array of key additions throughout the squad, whilst perhaps most notably ending the club’s long wait for a prolific striker by signing Viktor Gyokeres.
Alongside the Swede, who now dons Thierry Henry’s iconic number 14 shirt, Kepa Arrizabalaga joined as a reliable, low-cost backup goalkeeper from Chelsea.
In midfield, Martin Zubimendi arrived from Real Sociedad for around £51 million, offering more stability to Arteta’s already excellent options in the middle, while Christian Nørgaard soon followed after the Spaniard – bringing with him real Premier League experience as former captain of Brentford.
The attack received a further boost through Noni Madueke’s initial £48.5 million from Chelsea, with Arsenal also strengthening Arteta’s defence by signing highly-rated young centre-half Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia.
Despite their busy summer, and their need to sell, Arsenal continue to explore late additions.
Eberechi Eze – who was once released from the club’s academy – stood out as a key target for Berta earlier in the window and was heavily linked with a move back to the Emirates Stadium at one point.
Arsenal held talks with Eze’s representatives, and he was reportedly keen on joining, but it is now believed that the 27-year-old England international is closing in on a move to Tottenham instead – after both Spurs and Crystal Palace reached a verbal agreement this week.
With Eze now off the table, according to widespread reports, there is still a chance that Arsenal will sign a left-winger.
This would be dependent on Leandro Trossard leaving the club, though, amid links to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo among others (Ben Jacobs).
Arsenal could move for Atalanta outcast Ademola Lookman
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, as per Romano, could emerge as a last-gasp summer opportunity – with a move to Inter Milan now off the cards.
Atalanta's AdemolaLookmanin action
The Nigerian submitted a transfer request recently, and confirmed his intention to leave, but the Nerazzurri have been unable to reach a deal and are now looking at other attacking targets.
Therefore, a Premier League return has now become increasingly more likely, with Romano suggesting that Arsenal could move for Lookman if Trossard leaves.
The versatile 27-year-old, who bagged 20 goals and seven assists in all competitions across 2024/2025, commands a price tag of around £43 million – which could be seen as a bargain considering the player’s exploits in the last 24 months.
Lookman famously ended Bayer Leverkusen’s season-long unbeaten streak with a stunning Europa League final hat-trick against them last year, clinching 2024’s African Player of the Year award.
Premier League cult hero, Jay-Jay Okocha, has also praised Lookman as a “unique” player.
Manchester City have now made contact over a deal for a “sensational” forward, who is also a major target for Arsenal, according to a report.
Man City looking to pull off another hijack after Trafford
Man City endured a rare trophyless campaign in the 2024-25 campaign, but they clearly still have a great deal of pulling power, having successfully hijacked Newcastle United’s move for goalkeeper James Trafford.
Speaking about why he opted to move to the Etihad Stadium, despite the well-documented interest from the Magpies, Trafford said: “I always dreamed that one day I would be able to come back to Manchester City.
“This is the place I call home – it’s a truly special football club with fantastic people who make it such a unique place to work and play. I am also so very excited and honoured to have been given the opportunity to work under Pep and with such a world-class group of players.”
Man City now make contact to sign £87m "superstar", Pep's obsessed with him
City have made an approach for a forward, with Pep Guardiola determined to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.
By
Dominic Lund
Jul 29, 2025
The goalkeeper’s arrival continues a very solid transfer window for the Blues, but Pep Guardiola may feel there is still work to be done, given that his side fell way short of their usual lofty standards last season.
Despite already securing the signing of Rayan Cherki, Man City remain interested in signing a new attacking midfielder, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they have now made contact with the representatives of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
Off the back of a very impressive 2024-25 season, there is widespread interest in Eze, with Manchester United and Liverpool also named as potential suitors, although Arsenal are thought to be in the driving seat.
However, the Blues have now made an approach to potentially hijack the move, which is set to be on the pricey side, given that the England international is protected by a £68m release clause in his Palace contract.
Signing "sensational" Eze would be major statement of intent
Rory Jennings’ judgement cannot always be trusted, having infamously predicted Erling Haaland wasn’t cut out for the Premier League, but the pundit could be on the money with his view on Eze, having described the Palace star as “sensational”.
City fans will know all too well just how talented the 27-year-old is, given that he scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final last term, but he also impressed for the Eagles right across the season, in what was statistically the attacker’s best campaign to date.
The Palace star clearly has the ability to be a success at the Etihad Stadium, but Man City may need to move swiftly if they are to win the race for his signature, given that Arsenal have now struck a loose agreement on personal terms.
Hansi Flick has decided to rest Frenkie de Jong for the Valencia clash after the Netherlands international arrived at the club with Gluteal discomfort
De Jong sidelined with gluteal discomfortCoach prioritises Champions League fixtureGavi's knee issue further complicates matters Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
De Jong has returned to Barca after leaving the Netherlands national team camp with a gluteal injury. According to , the 28-year-old did not train with the squad and has been ruled out for the upcoming La Liga match against Valencia. The midfielder reportedly picked up the injury in Netherland's clash against Poland and the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has already sent a medical report to the club. Flick's decision to rest De Jong is a strategic one, aimed at having him in peak condition for the important Champions League match against Newcastle.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Flick's side are facing a midfield selection crisis early in the season. With De Jong's injury and the lingering issues surrounding Gavi, the Blaugrana's midfield depth are being tested. This situation has forced the coach to rely on other players, such as Marc Casado and Pedri, to form the crucial midfield partnership.
DID YOU KNOW?
Gavi has suffered a new injury blow with persistent discomfort in his right knee, the same one that was affected by a torn ACL in 2023. As a result, Barca's medical team have decided to give the midfielder a three-week period for conservative treatment to see if the pain subsides on its own. Otherwise, a surgical intervention might be necessary.
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
With De Jong next set to feature against the Magpies and Gavi returning in October should he avoid surgery, Barca's midfield will have to rely on Casado and Pedri in their absence. Barca will be facing Valencia next in the league before travelling to St. James' Park to face Newcastle in their opening fixture of the Champions League on September 18.
He suggested the spinners needed a bit of time to get back into the groove in Galle
Andrew Fidel Fernando19-Sep-2024
Ramesh Mendis played his first Test in over a year•AFP/Getty Images
Sri Lanka have not played a Test in Galle in over a year, while one of their main spinners has not played long-format cricket for many months. Could this be why Sri Lanka’s slow bowlers were inaccurate on day two of their Test against New Zealand?Spin bowling coach Craig Howard wasn’t exactly trying to absolve the Sri Lanka spinners, but did suggest they needed a bit of time to get back into the groove in Galle. Still, they could have done better than they did, he said.”If we’d bowled the way we’d have liked to, we’d be in a much better position,” Howard said. “If we were able to hold our line and length for longer, it would have been much more difficult for the New Zealand batters to rotate the strike the way they did, and we’d have limited the boundary balls as well. We pay heavy attention to controlling the run rate, and we didn’t do that today.”Related
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On a Galle track taking plenty of turn, Sri Lanka’s primary spinners – Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya – took just a wicket apiece on Thursday. Jayasuriya gave away 99, in his 31 overs.”Prabath was fractionally off. He’s a very proud man,” Howard said. “You average 22 at Galle for a reason, so I’m sure he’ll come back, and I’m sure he’ll have a major impact on this Test.”Ramesh was more expensive than Jayasuriya, however, going at an economy rate of more than four in his 17 overs. Where Jayasuriya had played in two of Sri Lanka’s three Tests in England, Ramesh had been on the sidelines throughout.”Ramesh Mendis hasn’t played a red-ball game for probably a few months now,” Howard said. “He’s been on an England tour not playing, and the LPL (Lanka Premier League) prior to that. He was probably a fraction off from a length-and-line point of view.”The New Zealand batters’ shot-making did present a challenge, Howard said. But he had confidence that if Sri Lanka’s spinners bowled accurately, the match could turn in their favour.”Control of line and length is the first thing. If we do that there’s enough in this wicket. The game can speed up very quick in the back end. We could be on or two wickets away from having a first-innings lead. Ideally we can go through them in a hurry and end up with a lead, but if not have a small target to catch up.”
Despite already spending big this summer, Sunderland are now reportedly considering a move to sign a La Liga star who has a release clause worth around £26m.
Sunderland's impressive summer business set to continue
Not many saw it coming, perhaps not even the most optimistic of fans, but Sunderland have so far enjoyed an excellent transfer window. The Black Cats have welcomed as many as six fresh faces, with the likes of Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra particularly standing out as ones to watch next season.
The latest to be presented as a Sunderland player, Adingra told the club website after arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion: “It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started. The Club and the project are really exciting. I spoke with everyone and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future.
“Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible. It’s a big challenge ahead – we’ll be facing top players and strong opponents – but I’m ready for it.”
Brighton's Simon Adingra in action against Leicester City.
The talented winger will form part of a new-look Sunderland attack that the Black Cats could see in action for the first time in their pre-season trip to Portugal.
Even as pre-season gets underway, however, those back in Wearside may not be done with their transfer business amid reports that another attacking option could now be in their sights.
Sunderland considering Tsygankov swoop
As reported by Diari de Girona and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland are now considering a move to sign Viktor Tsygankov from Girona this summer. The newly-promoted side have received positive scouting reports about the Ukraine international and could now make their move to trigger his €30m (£26m) release clause.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Tsygankov
Adingra
Minutes
1,913
1,097
Goals
2
2
Assists
5
2
Key Passes
33
16
Although the Girona man didn’t enjoy the best output last season, he did outperform Sunderland’s new man in Adingra, which would certainly make things interesting if the Black Cats made their move this summer.
Dubbed “outrageous” at the start of his career by scout Jacek Kulig, a move to the Premier League could be exactly what Tsygankov needs to rediscover his best form in front of goal.
The next Isidor: Sunderland showing strong interest in "electric" £22m star
Sunderland might be about to win their next Wilson Isidor by picking up this electric £22m attacker.
ByKelan Sarson Jul 15, 2025
Meanwhile, as they look to form an underrated frontline, Sunderland could welcome a player who has experienced life in the Champions League. At 27 years old too, Tsygankov should be at the peak of his powers and may well prove to be an instant bargain at just £26m this summer.
Newcastle United’s qualification for the Champions League next season will give Eddie Howe hope that he can lure some high-profile players to Stamford Bridge.
One player they are showing interest in is Jadon Sancho. The Manchester United winger looks set to depart Old Trafford this summer.
The Englishman could cost the club around £25m, and he would certainly bolster their wide options, given his return of five goals and eight assists for Chelsea this season.
It would be a massive statement of intent if Howe could secure a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund starlet. While adding wingers will help the club next season, perhaps it is other positions that require strengthening first.
Newcastle enter the race to sign Barcelona star
One position that Howe must improve is his goalkeeping department. The club conceded 47 Premier League goals last term, the worst defensive record out of any side in the top five.
Thus, bringing in a top-class goalkeeper ahead of another Champions League campaign makes perfect sense.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
According to reports in Spain, Barcelona’s keeper Marc-André ter Stegen could be set to leave the club following the arrival of Joan Garcia.
PSG, AC Milan, Manchester City, and Juventus have all expressed interest in the German international, but Newcastle are also entering the race.
Beating these clubs to the signature of Ter Stegen would be a major coup for Howe; that much is certain. Indeed, he would be an even better signing than Sancho.
Why Newcastle must sign Marc-André ter Stegen
Signing Sancho could prove to be a massive gamble. For Man United, the winger scored just 12 goals across 83 matches for the club. His loan spell at Chelsea didn’t exactly see him sparkle either.
His 41 matches for the Blues saw only five goals netted, and it was no surprise that they declined to sign him permanently. Given the fact that Newcastle can call upon players such as Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Jacob Murphy on the wing, do they need to splash out to sign Sancho? Especially with the risks involved with his lacklustre form.
Jadon Sancho for Chelsea
In this instance, making a move for Ter Stegen would be seen as the smarter approach. That’s for sure.
Last season, Nick Pope kept just eight clean sheets from 35 appearances, while Martin Dubravka kept five clean sheets across ten domestic matches for the Magpies.
If Howe is serious about progressing far in the Champions League next season, making a move to bring Ter Stegen to England would be a very shrewd move indeed.
Pope and Dubravka’s PL stats for Newcastle (2024/25)
Metric
Pope
Dubravka
Clean sheets
8
5
Saves per game
3.1
2.9
Touches per game
34.8
38
Goals conceded
35
12
Goals conceded per game
1.3
1.2
Pass success rate
65%
76%
He played just nine games last season for Barcelona, keeping a solitary clean sheet. The German has been with the La Liga giants since the summer of 2014, playing over 400 competitive matches in the process.
A total of 175 clean sheets have been kept throughout that period. While he may not have featured much this term, in La Liga during 2023/24, he was excellent.
Across his 28 matches, Ter Stegen made 2.7 saves per game – a success rate of 74% – while he was also successful with 100% of his runs out per game.
FC Barcelona's Marc-AndreterStegenlifts the trophy with teammates afterwinning LaLiga
He was comfortable on the ball, as evidenced by his average of 40 touches per game, while a 94% pass accuracy in his own half suggests the German moves the ball on effectively.
The player was lauded as “ice cool” by popular X page Goalkeeper.com for the way he snuffed out an opponent’s attack in the Champions League in September 2023.
Given the fact that he has a contract until 2028 with the Catalan giants, a move would cost the club, although it hasn’t been determined just how much Hansi Flick will demand for his player.
Sancho would be a fine signing, no doubt, but bringing Ter Stegen to the north-east would certainly turn heads.
Newcastle accelerate pursuit of £60m striker who now wants move to Tyneside
Eddie Howe could bring a clinical forward to Tyneside.
Glasgow Rangers face Hibernian this weekend in their final match of the Scottish Premiership season before all focus can turn to the summer transfer window.
Getting a new head coach through the door should be the priority for the Light Blues, and it was recently reported that Davide Ancelotti, currently assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, is closing in on the job.
It would be the Italian tactician’s first job as a first-team manager and he would be immediately faced with a number of big decisions, including whether or not to cash in on James Tavernier.
Why James Tavernier could stay at Rangers
The English full-back is reportedly a target for teams in Italy and the MLS ahead of the summer transfer window, with his contract at Ibrox expiring in 2026, and this means that there is doubt over his future at the club.
Ancelotti, as a new head coach, could look to lean on Tavernier’s experience, with 512 matches played for Rangers, and his leadership, as the captain, to help him in the role.
The right-back, who has scored 130 goals for the club, could be the link between the manager and the players, using his experience at Ibrox to ensure that the rest of the team are onboard and pulling in the right direction.
One player who should immediately be axed as the first departure of Ancelotti’s reign, should the coach complete a move to Ibrox this summer, is centre-forward Cyriel Dessers.
Why Cyriel Dessers should be sold
The Nigeria international should be the first player axed by the Italian head coach because the manager should want a reliable and consistent number nine who can fire them back to glory in domestic football against Celtic.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Unfortunately, Dessers, who has only scored two goals in ten matches against the Hoops, has not been a reliable centre-forward for the Gers since his move from Cremonese in the summer of 2023.
The £3m-rated flop, who was described as “awkward” to play against by journalist Josh Bunting, has proven himself to be excellent at getting into goalscoring positions, but has not provided enough quality with his finishing.
Appearances
35
34
Goals
16
17
Big chances missed
27
21
Big chances created
8
2
Assists
4
2
Duel success rate
33%
33%
As you can see in the table above, he has got in enough positions to score 33 league goals since the start of last season, yet has also missed 48 ‘big chances’, and been unreliable out of possession, losing 67% of his duels overall.
This shows that Dessers does not make enough of the quality opportunities that are created for him, which is why he is not the reliable striker Rangers need to kick on and end Celtic’s dominance in the Premiership. That is further backed up by his dismal goal return against the Hoops.
His lack of quality has been particularly telling in the Europa League as well. The striker scored three goals from 5.49 xG and missed a whopping ten ‘big chances’ in nine starts in the competition this term, which shows that he is not cut out to help the side kick on in European competitions.
Three Italian sides, Monza, Cagliari, and Empoli, were linked with the forward in January, and Ancelotti should push for the club to explore potential deals with any interested sides to move the striker on this summer, in order to create space for a new centre-forward to come in.
Dessers does not appear to be suited to leading the team forward as their main number nine, given his dismal finishing and struggles out of possession, and that is why the new head coach should instantly axe him from the team.
He'd kickstart Ancelotti era with a bang: Rangers in talks for first signing
Rangers could kickstart the Davide Ancelotti era with a bang by signing this star.
ByDan Emery May 14, 2025
Whereas Tavernier, another one of the senior players at the age of 33, could be kept around because of his experience at Rangers and the leadership he could provide.